People care about what their avatars are wearing. When the virtual world Decentraland said in June 2021 that users could make and sell their own clothing for avatars to wear on the site, Hiroto Kai stayed up all night designing Japanese-inspired garments. Selling kimonos for around US$140 each, he said he made US$15,000 to US$20,000 in just three weeks. While the idea of spending real money on clothing that does not physically exist is baffling to many, virtual possessions generate real sales in the “metaverse” – online environments where people can congregate , walk around, meet friends and play games....